Mercedes-Benz W204 Electronic Steering Lock Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (2025)

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Yes, that does sound like the alternator has failed. Check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9SIAN_hNug - Nick at Pelican Parts

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No, I don't think that will work. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Yes, this could be a faulty steering lock. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Hard to say without checking for fault codes. If you have a second key, try that first. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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I am not sure what the repair will cost in your area. Call a few shops and ask for a quote. It is also a good idea to have them confirm what the issue is. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Thank you very much for this and all the other DIY Articles on your website. You really saved me big time!

And you've probably saved me thousands over various cars I've owned since I found your website in the mid-naughties.

As someone else said, I didn't find removing the instrument cluster to be beneficial on my 2011 GLK350, but YMMV as this article was written using a C-class donor car.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the Info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Hello Sir,

Thanks a lot for your help.

When i put all back in reverse way, should i leave the key in unlocked position before reconnect the battery or should i take the key out before ?

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Remove the key. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Thanks for the Info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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No. The vehicle will not go to sleep and the battery will discharge. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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I have no experience with system bypass emulators. Check with the manufacturer of the tool. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Sounds like a common issue. I would assume the shop diagnosed correctly. They are pros! - Nick at Pelican Parts

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What kind of emulator? - Nick at Pelican Parts

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If the wheel can't be rotated 90° it is locked. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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If the wheel can't be rotated 90° it is locked - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Get it repaired now. Definitely on borrowed time. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Hello, today my MBZ C230 would not start. Key turns, but no ignition.
On diagnostic I get the following faulty codes:
A25408 - electric steering lock is faulty
A25464

Does that mean I have to replace ESL? Can any mechanic do it if I get the part I know nothing about cars, and definitely can't do it by myself. Also, would it needs reprogramming once installed.

Thank you!

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Most times, yes. The steering lock is at fault. it is a theft relevant part, so you will have to purchase using ownership documents and possibly have to program the SCN coding. Needing a scan tool. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Sounds like a faulty key. YOu can order a new spare with proof of ownership direct from a Mercedes dealer. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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I would start by checking for fault codes. If you have a fault for ESL or key not recognized, try a second key. if it still does not work, the lock or ignition may be at fault. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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There should a spline that goes into the large groove or a flat spot on the steering coupler that aligns with a flat spot on the rack. Also look for the clamping area gap on the splines, it will not be as clean as the rest of it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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I have had to cut a few out when stuck. So if you have it prepared for removal but is still stuck, it may need to be cut out. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Are there any fault codes? Does the vehicle recognize the key? - Nick at Pelican Parts

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What is the year and model of vehicle? I can see if I have that info. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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It is only available from Mercedes due to it being a theft related part. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Sounds like an ESL. It will have to be programmed to work with your current vehicle theft system. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Thanks for sharing your repair process and experience. These types of comments add so much to the Pelican tech community. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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I believe so. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Thanks for the feedback. Glad we could help. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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If it is a new part, any shop with factory level Mercedes-Benz scan tool and a locksmith license can do it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

I have a problem with my mercedes c220 w204, 2008 my steering remains locked when i insert my key, it should click and unlock it, i turn the key and no lights appear in the cluster.
There isn't any problem with the battery, i checked it my self, radio is working, lights are working. Tested both main key and spare key, both unlock and lock the car. I have done some research and appears to be the ESL/ELV module.
Please contact me, greatly appreciated.

Carlos

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

The key or EIS module could be faulty. You can test using a scan tool. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I don't know what got wet, only you and your mechanic do. generally the only modules that fail from water ingress are what got wet. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Well just brought it back from certifies Merceds shop. Supposedly some water got in the passenger side of the car and fried the electronics. Thats all they had to say for $150 diagnostics. They also said I would have to replace all of the elctronics starting with front SAM modules and just those would be $3000.00. Do SAM modules have to be programmed/coded? Are they really not fixable?

I am sorry if I am not supposed to post this here since it is different topic, but I am desperate to figure this out now.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Wet modules can't be repaired, only replaced and each will have to be programmed. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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First voltage drop test the battery cables to the starter, they maybe faulty. if they are ok, check, the start signal to the starter. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Check the steering coupler for damage. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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You have to cut it out if it doesn't unlock. Here is some info on it: https://us.autologic.com/news/204-chassis-mercedes-benz-c-class - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I don’t have torque information.I would suggest you grab a repair manual, you should own one. It will have the procedure, special tools and torque specs.Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Hey, Just realised that you suggested in Figure 3 to remove the gauge cluster for some reason. To be honest, you don't need to. You just need to remove the plastic trim around the gauge cluster, that's all. You can remove the whole steering shaft with the cluster in position, in case you have ESL in LOCKED position. Hope this helps.

And in my comment bellow I meant: "The emulator will do all the job now, and it has NO moving parts!"

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the additional info and feedback. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Did you clear faults after the repair? You may need to initialize the steering angle sensor as well. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Just wanted to add to my previous comment some VERY helpful information to ALL sufferers of ESL failure. Nowadays, if the ESL failed in UNLOCKED position you can do very simple DIY and get your car running in about 30 mins. All you need is a good quality ESL emulator which can be connected to the main cables and be placed just on top of your plastic trim under the steering wheel. So, basically you do up to Figure 2 from this article and then you disconnect the cable to ESL and connect the Emulator. All done! You do not need to remove your old ESL from the shaft. You bury it forever there! It does no job, you disconnected all the cables, so its basically there but it doesn't do any job. The emulator will do all the job now, and it has moving parts! It will last forever!!!

Be aware, you need to program emulator to talk to EIS obviously.

Hope this helps. Sorry for my English, I'm from Ukraine.

Mikhail

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the additional info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Great information, ... but Why would you need to remove the steering wheel and the steering column? I really do not understand. If the ESL is in UNLOCKED position this is really important you do not need to remove the steering lock and the column. All work can be done in 20 minutes. From Figure 2 you can just jump to Figure 6 step and unscrew two screws by the steering knuckle. It would give you more room to remove the ESL. That's all you need to remove the ESL and yes, obviously you need to remove the 13mm nut from ESL. Very simple method. I really do not understand why would you want to remove the steering wheel and the column? If the ESL is locked and cannot be unlocked you need to remove/unscrew one bolt on the steering knuckle connection and remove the whole steering shaft. After that you can remove locked ESL from the shaft.

Sorry about my English, I'm from Ukraine. You do provide great info, but I think it can be done much easier.

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Thanks for the additional info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Yes. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Not that I am aware of. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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I would do as instructed and replace it. If some functions are not working, they can't be repaired separately. - Nick at Pelican Parts

have 2009 Mercedes C 300 when I turn the key on all the dash lights illuminate but it does not engage the starter I checked the fuses and all of them are good although 22 thru 25 have no power with the key on. The starter can be bypassed with a screwdriver but the car doesn’t start up. There is no voltage at the starter from signal wire. Previously the car was able to start using a screwdriver to activate the starter. The battery is literally brand new,the key fob locks and unlocks the car the windows all work as well as the ac/radio, the wheel unlocks. the fuel pump primes, dash lights illuminate , i’m able to move the transmission into gear when pressing the brake. All fuses have power except for 22-25 which the manual says are for engine electronics. I guess what I’m wondering is where are those fuses drawing their power supply from? Is there any other things that could be causing just those Fuses to not get any power? Any help of any kind is greatly appreciated. found a 40 amp maxi fuse that was blown in front compartment, fuse was replaced and the car started uyp fine. car was turned off to button everything up and it wouldnt start again using the key. all problems still existed , only the fuse that was previously blown was now good. please help

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

When you bypass the starter solenoid, does it start and stay running? If so, the issue may be with the ignition. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I would assume the issue is with the EIS unit. Can't say 100%, because I am not working on it myself. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

No. don't cut any wires. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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The key. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Nick,

My 2009 C300 tells me to remove key from ignition. My steering wheel is not locked, but the car will not start. Could it be possible that the battery is voltage is to low to start? Or could it be a esl/eis issue? Am I wrong to think that it is not the esl as the steering wheel is not locked?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

It says remove key when it is not installed? If so, the EIS may be faulty. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Yes, it is a theft part. So either a theft certified mechanic or MB can do repair. This article explains it: https://us.autologic.com/news/servicing-mercedes-benz-das-anti-theft-systems-lsid - Nick at Pelican Parts

When was this note added?
PLEASE NOTE: We no longer sell these parts. They are considered Theft Relevant Parts TRP. You must now buy them through a MBZ dealership service dept where installation and programming is required by an authorized MBZ mechanic.

Looks like you recently said we could still contact the Pelican staff to get the part, is this true?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

First time I am seeing it too. I would assume in the post few weeks. This is true, all theft parts MUST be purchased by the owner or authorized independents. - Nick at Pelican Parts

How can I remove the ESL if it has failed in the locked position?

THX

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

You have to cut it out. See this similar issue: https://www.farsightlive.com /blog/mercedes-benz-c-class-no-start-remove-key-message - Nick at Pelican Parts

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I would start by checking the vehicle for fault codes. If multiple systems are not working properly, fault codes will be set. This will be your best bet when diagnosing. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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If you do it yourself. Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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It should have a geared shaft that locks the column. Try slightly rocking it when installing to see if it drops down into place. Then the single nut should hold it tight. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

You'll have to contact the dealer to see if your vehicle is under warranty. I wouldn't know. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Determine the the electronic steering lock is faulty. If so, replace it. Sounds like that may be your issue. Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need.- Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Most likely you have an issue with the steering column lock. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Yes. I believe it does. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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If only replacing the lock N26/5, no it does not say it needs programming in the info I have. Be sure to leave the key in the ignition during removal or it will lock and not come out. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Try to recode the entire vehicle. If that does not work, check faults and reprogram whatever is necessary. - Casey at Pelican Parts

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I don't think so. - Casey at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

It sounds like it could be a problem recognizing the key you're using. Try using a different key when the problem happens. If both keys act the same have the faults checked and see what errors there are. - Casey at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Please rephrase your question? - Casey at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

No. You need to remove the steering lock. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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You have to get it from Mercedes Benz. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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I would check battery voltage, if too low the engine will not crank. You may have a parasitic draw draining the battery. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Sounds like the key or EIS is faulty. I would start by checking the vehicle for fault codes. If the system is not working properly, a fault code will be set. This will be your best bet when diagnosing. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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What is battery volts? If low, the starter will not engage. You can have radio, instrument lights, etc and still not start. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

The steering lock fails. The electronic steering lock that Mercedes has installed in a wide variety of their vehicles has become a very well-known sore spot for owners. This simple theft prevention device fails and fails often, and when it does it can leave you with a stranded vehicle and a huge repair bill. If your ignition or steering lock are starting to go bad you should replace them right away, before they leave you stranded and while replacing them is still easy.While the dealership can charge thousands of dollars for replacing this unit you can do the work yourself and save some serious money. The most difficult part of the job is that you will be working blind on one nut but the article will walk you through everything so you will be fine.Make sure that the very first thing you do is install the key in the ignition and that it frees up the electronic steering lock. Then leave the key in even though you are disconnecting the battery. If the lock is not open when you start you will not be able to remove it from the steering column.- Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the input on this one. We appreciate the help. - Nick at Pelican Parts

To Greg, who sounds as though he's in a predicament with an ESL module stuck in the locked position, read through this thread, it is same method I had to use to remove mine.

Nick, please shoot me an email and we can continue the torque spec conversation off line. Thanks.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the additional info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Did you {Make sure that the very first thing you do is install the key in the ignition and that it frees up the electronic steering lock. Then leave the key in even though you are disconnecting the battery. If the lock is not open when you start you will not be able to remove it from the steering column.}? - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I don’t have that info. Mercedes-Benz will have the proper torque specs. I would grab a repair manual. It will have the procedure, special tools and torque specs.Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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The new part should last longer. I imagine it has been updated since it is an issue with them failing. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Cost is what it is due to parts and labor. Ask shop for a detailed break down. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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It is located in the evaporator fins. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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I would try a spare key. It could be an issue with the key not being read correctly.Reading fault codes can also help with direction. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

If the problem was present when you bought it, return the car to them to fix it for you. Tell them to handle it for you, then you won't have to cover the bill. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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You can check for fault codes, other than that you have to guess if it is the culprit. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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If the key is from Mercedes-Benz and ordered for your vehicle, it should work. If it isn't the right key,a fault will be set and the vehicle will not unlock the wheel or start. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Thx. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Sound an internal issue with the transmission. Possible broken drum or gear. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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It stops working. The failure is usually in the electronics, not serviceable as parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Hello Nick thanks for the great tutorial,

Just a question, I didn't replace the ESL I just opened it up and cleaned the motor and parts the motor was still working.... Put everything back together and no luck. Any suggestions what to do from here? I didn't replace the ESL completely because I wasn't sure if I needed to reprogram things like the board or key. Greatly appreciated, don't want to spend 1300-1900 at the Dealer,

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

The failure is usually in the electronics, not serviceable as parts. If you reassemble, you can use a Mercedes-Benz scan tool to run a system test on the lock. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Check the vehicle battery voltage, then check the voltage coming out of the switch for the vehicle to power on. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

If just replacing the mechanical lock, you can remove and replace with no worry. New fasteners will be needed. Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need.- Nick at Pelican Parts

There are two possible causes as to why a key may not be recognized. Either the key needs to be reprogrammed, or the Electronic Ignition switch which is the part that actually authenticates the key, allowes ESL to unlock the steering wheel and then continues through with activating other circuits and procedures to finally allowing for the engine starting procedure.

Diagnosing which of those issues is causing the key not to be recognized can ony be poperly diagnosed by using Mercedes Benz's proprietary STAR diagnostic system... Only authorized MB dealers and some independent repair shops who have invested in the equipment and the cost to subscribe to the STAR program can do so.

It should be noted that if the steering wheel will not unlock, that does not necessarily mean that the steering wheel lock is faulty. Especially if that happens in conjunction with the key not being recognized in which case, it is possible that the Electronic Ignition Swith is faulty and is unable to authenticate the key. So it displays the message indicating the key is not recognized but it also fails to issue the command to acivate the process of unlocking the steering wheel.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

STAR is not the only tool that can be used to diagnose. Autologic makes dealer level tools that work as well. Thanks for the additional info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Use a Mercedes-benz scan tool to confirm the key is not recognized. If this is the case, replace key. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Confirm the key is the issue. If it is, replace it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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The key may not be recognized by the vehicle. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I would think so. You didn't mention your vehicle info, so I can't be sure. For an instant response, give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need.- Nick at Pelican Parts

I'm confused about the need to order new keys your comment in reply to Mac on January 10, 2016...

1Are the cost for ordering new keys included in the $290 "Tab price" as indicated at the top of this article?

2 Also, if the job of EIS is to properly identify the SmartKey as being the actual key for the vehicle, then send a signal to ESL to unlock the steering wheel, then why would you need to replace keys when replacing ESL?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

key cost is not included.You would need keys if they are faulty. If only replacing the unit, the old keys will work. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Not sure if we ship to you.Give our parts specialists a call at 1-310-626-8765 - Nick at Pelican Parts

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Keys from Mercedes-Benz are ordered for your vehicle and should work immediately. - Nick at Pelican Parts